Awareness about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Female Students at the University of Agadir, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Malika Ben El-Fakir,
Abdelmohcine Aimrane,
Mehdi Ait Laaradia,
Khalid Ait Taleb,
Mohamed Omar Issaoune,
Hasna Lahouaoui,
Abdelaati El Khiat,
Bilal El-Mansoury,
Kholoud Kahime,
Abdessamad Elmourid,
Mohamed Ait-El-Mokhtar,
Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
Affiliations
Malika Ben El-Fakir
Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Natural Resources Valorisation, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Ait Melloul 80000, Morocco
Abdelmohcine Aimrane
Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
Mehdi Ait Laaradia
Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
Khalid Ait Taleb
Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Natural Resources Valorisation, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Ait Melloul 80000, Morocco
Mohamed Omar Issaoune
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohammed Vi Marrakech, Service d’Oncologie, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Hasna Lahouaoui
High Institute of Nursing Professions and Technical Health, Laâyoune 70000, Morocco
Abdelaati El Khiat
Biological and Health Sciences Team, Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco
Bilal El-Mansoury
Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
Kholoud Kahime
SAEDD Laboratory, School of Technology Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh, Essaouira 44000, Morocco
Abdessamad Elmourid
Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23030, Morocco
Mohamed Ait-El-Mokhtar
Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment & Agri-Food URAC 36, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Techniques—Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco
Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Natural Resources Valorisation, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Ait Melloul 80000, Morocco
Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.
